I.J. Ready and Colin Borchert hit free throws down the stretch Saturday to help Mississippi State pull away late with a 76-72 win over Ole Miss.More >>

I.J. Ready and Colin Borchert hit free throws down the stretch Saturday to help Mississippi State pull away late with a 76-72 win over Ole Miss.More >>

TUSCALOOSA, AL (RNN) - Alabama put up a strong fight but fell short in the final minutes, losing to No. 11 Wichita State 72-67 at home on Tuesday.

The Crimson Tide (5-5) trailed by as many as 10 in the first half but closed the deficit and even took a one-point lead over the Shockers (11-0) with little more than a minute left in the first half.

Wichita State led at the half 33-32 and held their lead for the first 11 minutes of the second half. Alabama surged to close the gap and gained a three-point lead with less than seven minutes left. But the Shockers took the lead back and narrowly held onto it through the end of the game.

Alabama led Wichita State in 3-pointers, making seven of their 20 attempts. Wichita State made slightly more of their field goals (44 percent compared to Alabama's 43 percent) but held a commanding lead in free throws, making 25 of their 27 compared to the Tide's 14 out of 19.

Trevor Releford led Alabama with 22 points, six assists and one steal.

This was the Crimson Tide's first home game loss and second loss to a ranked opponent this season.